Gentleman's Cruiser. Ideas?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Juck · #1 07-17-2007, 04:14 AM

I've reached that point in my life where my longing for turbocharged Porsches etc. is being replaced by the strange urge to get a 'Gentleman's Cruiser' ,,,, 2 doors,,, hardtop coupe only,,, (I already have a cabrio) ,, with enough room for me (6'4") and the old lady to go cruising with style and enough luggage space for a weekend getaway.

Thing is,,, like many of you that are around my age (38), I grew up with posters of Countaches and DeTomaso's on my bedroom walls,,,, but recently I'm finding myself lusting after cars that previously I though were kinda lame.

I'm after suggestions, opinions and/or ownership experiences both good and bad. I have about $25k to spend maximum (I'd prefer some change),,, and I could live with maybe $1k a year average in running costs for the 2k or so miles a year I'll likely be putting on it.

Remember, I'm not remotely interested in a cabriolet,, I want a proper fixed-head coupe only.

So far,,, the shortlist with thoughts:

Jaguar XJS

One of my dream cars as a younger guy. Looks like a true 70's supercar. I've had a ride in a V12,, fantastic,,, but I've heard they're a lot of trouble if not excercised frequently. The 1991 and later 6 cylinders seem to have a decent reputation for reliability. Should be able to get a perfect example for less than 20k

Jensen Interceptor

I never really liked these until I saw one at a show a couple of years back. Never been in one but they look cool,,, I mean really really cool,,,and I guess a lot of the mopar engine should be relatively easy to replace.

Fiat Dino Coupe

One of my all-time favorite cars. Glorious noise from the Ferrari 6 and fantastic looks. The history of the car is fascinating also. I've driven the earlier 2.0 and it was a blast,,,, I would likely be looking for a good original 2.4 though. This car shares a lot of parts with the Ferrari Dino and Lancia Stratos,,, probably looking at horrible bills if anything goes 'tits-up'. Of all the cars here,, I love the way this one looks most of all,,,, by a mile. To me, this is the epitome of GT styling.

VW Karmann Ghia

Another car I don't know much about. I saw one recently on Ebay,, fully restored with guards/signal red body and black roof ,,, I thought it looked awesome. Even well-restored ones seem pretty cheap.

Porsche 928

Wow,, how much did I want one of these when I was younger? (a LOT). Love the styling and the amazing mid-range performance of the S4. Worried about repair bills on the v8 though (and that Mercedes transmission).

Porsche 944/968

I've owned 2 944 Turbos,, a 1987 and a 1989S and they are amazing cars. Kilo for kilo and dollar for dollar I think these are the best sports cars ever built. The 968 6-speed has similar performance figures to the 1989S (but without the massive turbo lag) but I've never driven one. Maybe a bit too 'recent-looking' for my tastes,,, and the 1989 944S Turbo is rapidly appreciating in price,, not the bargain it was 2 or 3 years ago. (And yes,, I hate the stock 'pepper pot' wheels as well).

Mercedes 450SLC

I know nothing about these cars whatsoever,,, but I love the way they look.

MGC GT

A bit of an oddball, but by all acounts it's a real driver's car. Not sure about interior space, never driven one.

Opel GT

Again,,, never driven one but love the looks,,, like a baby 250 GTO. Seems there aren't many of them over here in the US,, but importing 25+ year old cars is pretty cheap & easy, so I can source one elsewhere,, even restored examples are fairly cheap.

Volvo P1800

Awesome but quirky looking,,, I understand that many of these were actually assembled by Jensen in England. I've sat in one but never had a ride,,, plenty of room,,, has that cool hand-made feel to it.

Saab Sonnett
Just throwing this in here because it looks so cool. I have never seen one in really good condition and from what I've seen & heard,, the build quality is iffy at best.

There are no US cars on my list so far,,,, I always liked the late 60's Mustang fastbacks,,, but the prices are just crazy right now (thank you Babyboomers!).

Constructive feedback only please,,, I'm after your opinion of the cars,,,,I'm not interested in your opinion of my opinion!

Any other cool GT's I've overlooked? (Yes,, I wish I could afford a 330 GTC/4 or an AM V8

).

Juck · #2 07-17-2007, 04:19 AM

Sorry,,,, need to add these pics:

Opel GT

Volvo P1800

Saab Sonett

Jim B. · #3 07-17-2007, 04:41 AM

You are really on top of this!

A few spring immediately to mind:

1. Volvo 780 (but avoid the problematic V6, stay with the 4 cyl. turbo.)

Lush, leather interior, rich wood on dash, styled by Bertone:

http://www.volvoadventures.com/780vermant2.jpg

2. Mercedes W124 300CE/E320 coupes.
Finding one with the Sportline package is even better! Neat, nimble, beautiful, reliable

3. Mercedes 500SEC/560SEC
A real GT type cruiser, trunkroom of a sedan (I'm a bit biased, and made that choice)

4. BMW 840ci
(direct competitor to the 560SEC and Jag. XJS, gorgeous cruisers, avoid the 12 cyl. 850ci)

Ara T. · #4 07-17-2007, 06:47 AM

I dunno, I don't think GT car when I see a Gia. They are IMO, crap and grocery getter at the most. Then again they were designed in the 50s unless im mistaken. I'd want a 126 coupe for a GT car... they just eat up long trips like nothing.

Good brakes, relatively good handling considering the weight, and good power.

EliotW · #5 07-17-2007, 08:44 AM

I'd go with the 560 SEC. Preferably the more powerful Euro version.

catmandoo62 · #6 07-17-2007, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juck

Sorry,,,, need to add these pics:

Opel GT

Volvo P1800

Saab Sonett

i used to have a 1970 opel gt.that exact same color.they are kinda cramped inside and not the greatest in the power department.was a fun car to drive though. how about a 1966 olds toronado!

POS · #7 07-17-2007, 09:46 AM

Nice taste in choices. I, too, am 38 and have the same tastes as you - what I wanted was a cruiser that hauls ass in convertible form (for nice days) So,

1983 500SL AMG:

I would skip the Jag, the Opel, the Volvo, and the SAAB in a heartbeat, but I would very much entertain a 928S4 or a 944/968 Turbo car - both of which better be perfect because they don't seem to age very well (like BMWs).

I always thought the marque that ages the best was the Mercedes - a well-cared for example can still smell new inside and work/feel like new even though it's 25 years old. You should also look at:

1) SEC AMG
2) 500E
3) SL anything (with a hardtop on, they feel like a coupe)
4) BMW 840/850 from the early 90s

miljohnj5 · #8 07-17-2007, 09:59 AM

I know very little about performance technicalities but the 928 convertible appears asthetically pleasing for cruising with power. I don't know if they were made in limited productions though...

raymr · #9 07-17-2007, 10:10 AM

How about a future classic?

The new Altima Coupe with 4 cyl. 6-speed stick falls below your price range and will be rock-solid reliable.

EliotW · #10 07-17-2007, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS

BMW 840/850 from the early 90s

I saw one on the road just yesterday, incredibly menacing front end.

Benzadmiral · #11 07-17-2007, 01:12 PM

Juck,

I'm inclined to applaud your choices, with the caveat that most of them may turn out to be a bit cramped/noisy for a true cruiser. The Jag and the 450SLC come about the closest to my image of the "gentleman's cruiser."

I've lamented for years that no one seems to make a big coupe any more, not in a decent price range (CL500? Way too expensive!). When I grew up, every marque had a two-door offering: the Ford Galaxie 500, the Chevy Impala SuperSport, the Chrysler 300C (1950s-1960s generation), Cadillac Eldorado and Coupe De Ville, Olds 88 and 98. Big lovely cars, all.

Come to think of it, I visited a classic American car show recently, and one of the most impressive vehicles there was a 1966 Galaxie 500 coupe, like the one below. Maybe you could look into one of the classics which demand less ca$h than a Mustang? A 1964-66 Ford T-Bird comes to mind.

Otherwise, yes, an SEC would be perfect.
.

KylePavao · #12 07-17-2007, 01:35 PM

Honestly I'd go for the SLC. God I love the 107 body, and a well cared for 4.5 will run for a VERY long time. I've heard stuff about the fuel injection systems, but other than that its a proven chassis that looks classy and is DIY friendly.

I am only 21, but I've been lusting for an SLC of the same vintage as my 300D for a weekend cruiser/fast highway eater, and to embarass a few ricers. Since they are older than 25 years old, no emissions (in RI at least) Which opens of the possibility of deleting the catalytic converters, and putting on a nice exhaust, and really opening up the power potential of the 4.5.

PaulC · #13 07-17-2007, 02:45 PM

Check with a few Porsche 928 parts specialists on the web. I did a few years ago and had the impression that a 928 could eat you alive financially if you were not lucky.

PaulC · #14 07-17-2007, 02:47 PM

Perhaps a Mercedes w140 coupe if the A/C condenser is healthy.

PaulC · #15 07-17-2007, 02:49 PM

Regarding the Jensen, the drivetrain is relatively inexpensive, but the ol' girls like to rust, and Pep Boys doesn't carry body panels or soft parts for this car. Consider suicide if the rear window breaks.